Assault weapons ban dropped, gun control supporters move on
Some gun control proponents say passing the ban was always an uphill battle; now they'll focus on pushing other key proposals
www.cbsnews.comHere’s a concise update on the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 and related developments.
What is the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013?
- The Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 (AWB 2013) was a proposed federal bill in the 113th Congress, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein in January 2013 to reinstate a nationwide ban on certain military-style semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines. It did not pass in the Senate, failing to achieve the necessary votes in April 2013. The key provisions mirrored the 1994–2004 federal ban but with updated weapon lists and magazine limits.[2][4]
What happened to the bill in 2013?
- The bill was defeated in the Senate on April 17, 2013, with a vote of 40 in favor and 60 against. In the ensuing months, proponents shifted to pursuing other gun-control measures rather than advancing the AWB 2013 as a standalone federal bill.[2]
What happened at the state level related to 2013-era assault weapon bans?
- Several states had enacted or maintained laws banning certain “assault-style” rifles during the 2010s, including Maryland’s 2013 ban, which faced legal challenges in federal courts. A notable appellate decision in 2024 upheld Maryland’s 2013 law against challenges, with the Fourth Circuit concluding that the weapons in question are not protected by the Second Amendment and are excessively dangerous for civilian use. The ruling indicated that Bruen-era historical-analogue considerations did not force a different outcome in that state case.[1]
What is the current status as of 2025–2026?
-
Federal action: As of 2025–2026, there has not been a new enacted federal AWB replacement for the 1994–2004 law that expired in 2004. Efforts to reinstate a federal ban have continued in various forms, including new introduced bills in subsequent Congresses, but passage has remained uncertain and contingent on broader legislative support for gun-control measures.[6]
-
State activity: States continue to regulate firearms with a patchwork of laws, including bans on certain features or large-capacity magazines, and court decisions continue to shape the legality and scope of these measures. For example, Maryland’s 2013 ban was sustained by a federal appellate court in 2024, reinforcing state-level restrictions on specific assault-style weapons.[1]
Illustration: Evolution from federal to state focus
- 2013: Federal AWB proposed but not enacted; attention remained on other federal gun-control measures.[2]
- 2013–2020s: States enacted and refined bans on specific weapons and magazines; litigation influenced how broadly such bans could be upheld.[4][1]
- 2024–2025: Federal appellate validation of a state ban (Maryland) demonstrates ongoing legal acceptance of state-level restrictions on certain assault weapons.[1]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest official documents or court opinions from specific states or summarize how recent court rulings have interpreted Bruen-era standards in relation to assault weapons bans. I can also provide a side-by-side timeline of key events from 2013 to the present. Please tell me which angle you prefer.
Citations:
- Details on the AWB 2013 introduction and Senate defeat:[2]
- Maryland 2013 ban and 2024 Fourth Circuit decision:[1]
- Federal context and post-2013 efforts, including discussions around new bills and expiration context:[4][6]